One of the Most Visited Countries in the World!

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There are so many great reasons to visit Italy.  From the world famous attractions, detailed architecture, historic ruins and breathtaking coastline to the amazing food and wine, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most visited countries in the world.  There’s so much to see and do in this amazing country you could spend a lifetime exploring it. 

Italy is home to some of the most vibrant cities around.  The capital city of Rome offers so many sites all within close proximity to one another.  Home to such iconic attractions as the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and, of course, the Vatican.  The piazzas are always filled with the aroma of amazing Italian cuisine where you could sit and enjoy a meal alfresco while sipping on a glass of their fine wine.  Head north to enjoy the center of Italian renaissance with a visit to Florence.  Its top attraction is the ironic tiled roof of the Duomo.  Walk the cobblestone streets to take in all the beauty this city has to offer.  Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region of Italy.  This region is known for its wineries, extraordinary landscape and medieval villages. It’s the Italian experience at its best.  Further north is Pisa, with its famous leaning tower and charming town.  Venice is just a bit further North and is a must-do on any trip to Italy.  Be sure to take a gondola ride, see the sites and allow time to “get lost in Venice.”

Along with its exciting cites, Italy also offers many seaside attractions in the Mediterranean.  Explore the wondering coastline of the Amalfi Coast, which stretches from Sorrento to Salerno, and experience the dramatic coastal mountains as they plunge into the sea.  Visit the beautiful beaches of Italy’s two largest islands, Sardinia and Sicily for their breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy. 

Italy also offers its share of winter fun and recreation.  Italy boasts more than 300 ski areas.  For beautiful scenery and a variety of terrain, enjoy skiing the Dolomites in the Italian Alps.  Skiing in Italy is known to have excellent value for money and, of course, great food and wine. 

You’ll not only want to plan a holiday to Italy but you’ll want to return again and again.  Make it easy, and stay in one of IVHE’s luxury homes located in a number of different locations in Italy! No matter what season you visit, you’ll find a warmth and hospitality that will have you feeling like you’re one of the family.

Thank you travel blogger Lisa Medeiros.  Follow her on Twitter @lisamedeiros

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Shopping & Eating Your Way Through Boston

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I had the pleasure of taking two weekend trips to Boston recently. One was to visit one of my favorite gal pals and the other was college touring with our teenage sons. Since I don’t have daughters, I relish my shopping trip with girlfriends. When I’m out with my husband and boys I barely even window shop and when I do it’s at a blurred pace. So needless to say, one trip was quite relaxing and included lots of shopping with discussions over chardonnay on what’s “coming back in style” while my other trip to Boston was centered around where the next meal was coming from. Both were enjoyable, of course, as Boston has always been one of my favorite cities.

My friend and I enjoyed a relaxing day browsing around Newbury Street and popping into the quaint shops on this tree-lined historic section of the city’s Back Bay.  You’ll find a selection of international shops and local boutiques as well as world class dining.  When I revisited this area with my sons we cruised right past these shops to grab a hamburger at Abe & Louie’s on Boylston Street.  Don’t miss a stop at this sophisticated steakhouse which is truly a throwback to a past era and the clam chowder was amazing. 

A short walk from Newbury Street is The Shops at Prudential Center where you’ll find a variety national chain stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor.  Prudential Center also offers a unique mix of dining options.  Located not far from these shops is Copley Place which offers more of an upscale shopping experience with stores such as Tiffany & Co, Jimmy Choo, and Louis Vuitton, to name a few.

No trip to Bean Town is complete without a visit to Faneuil Hall.  It’s a must-see for both a gal pal getaway or a teens-in-tow weekend.  The teens will still roll their eyes in boredom but will later admit it was a pretty cool area.  Faneuil Hall Marketplace Shopping Center offers some interesting shops and boutiques.  It’s a great location to dine, shop or just people watch.  You will usually find some type of event or street entertainment taking place.  A must-do dining experience when in this part of town is dinner at the Union Oyster House.  It is considered one of the oldest operating restaurants in the US and has continuously operated since it’s opening in 1826.  There’s good reason for that as the seafood was certainly everything you would expect it to be and it even managed to put a smile on the face of a couple of teenage boys. 

A great way to experience the city and live like a local is through a home swap.  International Vacation Home Exchange offers this city center apartment.  You’re sure to find it a “wicked” good place to stay while you explore this exciting capital city.  

Thank you Travel Writer Lisa Medeiros.  Follow her on Twitter @lisamedeiros_

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Lovers and Artists Retreat to Carmel, California

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Fully and appropriately named Carmel-by-the-Sea, this Shangri-La features exceptional cottages by a stunning coastline.  Truly unique amongst American cities, you’ll be enchanted if you are lucky enough to visit, and may fall in love if you are able to stay.

Wind-worn cypresses with gnarled roots cling to the earth as they face the formidable sea; these cypresses have the appearance of being in motion even when the air is still, imprinting a strange rousing in the soul.  The late landscape painter Francis McComas called it, “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world.”

It’s no wonder that former mayor, Clint Eastwood, was willing to take a nominal fee just for the privilege of presiding over the artistic village.

Even as a child, I knew that Carmel-by-the-Sea was special.  As most children, I was interested in the beach more than the restaurants and shops.  It was a foggy, cool day when I played on Carmel Beach, yet I wanted to linger.  We drove through the middle of town and I listened to my parents ooh and ah at the quaint shops, cottages, and restaurants; it gave me the feeling of being in a land from a fairytale—not a common feeling in the United States.

Artists knew and know that Carmel-by-the-Sea is special as well, and following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, a group of them migrated to Carmel and formed a colony of creative folk devoted to the artistic lifestyle.  Carmel’s roots are apparent throughout the village with beautiful art galleries flavoring the already magnificent, natural setting.

Writer Robert Louis Stevenson reportedly spent some time in Carmel, and poet Robinson Jeffers built a castle-type home, Tor House, facing the ocean.

The climate maintains nearly year-long “sweater weather” (60s Fahrenheit and in the teens Celsius), which has a dreamy, huddling effect both indoors and outdoors.  Don’t resist the sometimes foggy days which only add to the romantic magic—a perfect place for a honeymoon or couples’ getaway.  In fact, Carmel has been voted one of the most romantic cities in America.

For the full Carmel-by-the-Sea experience, try this luxury home exchange cottage, ‘Hob Nob’.  On the historical register, this home is great for snuggling and is authentic Carmel.

Galleries

With approximately 60 galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea, there is something for virtually every art lover.

Restaurants

One of the delights of Carmel is Clint Eastwood’s, Mission Ranch Hotel & Restaurant.   With a meadow with grazing sheep, the Pacific, and Point Lobos visible, this is truly a unique dining experience.  The piano bar is a lot of fun and pairs well with the featured American cuisine.

Actress, Doris Day has also had an interest in Carmel.  Her love of animals proved contagious, and Carmel is a very dog-friendly community with numerous restaurants where dogs are allowed.

Mission Carmel

When the Spanish settled California, they built 21 missions designed to be a day’s walk apart.  The Carmel mission is an especially beautiful one.  Founded in 1771, the basilica portion of the mission has 5-foot-thick walls.  The bell tower is in beautiful contrast to the Spanish-tiled roof, and Munrá’s courtyard gives one the feeling of sacred contemplation.

Point Lobos

Point Lobos, south of Carmel, looks like something out of an idealized painting.  The rocky coast and the Pacific are one of the most dramatic convergences on earth.  Besides magnificent views, hiking trails interlace the park and welcome exploration of this exceptional place.  Point Lobos not only invigorates the eyes, but also the olfactory pleasures; as my father says, “The smell there is classic California coast.”

Golf

Some of the finest golf courses in the United States are near Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Pebble Beach, which has hosted the U.S. Open, is considered the best public golf course in the United States.  Also nearby is Spyglass Hill Golf Course, which is one of the toughest courses in the world.

If your tastes run toward inward reflection rather than fun-in-the-sun mentality (or even if you are given to inward reflection right now), visit Carmel-by-the-Sea. Like numerous artists and lovers before you, you may never want to leave.

See IVHE’s exclusive home exchange cottage, “Hob Nob.”

Thank you to travel blogger Sona Schmidt-Harris 

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Start Your Travel Traditions

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This holiday season, you will likely overhear friends and family talk about holiday traditions. These traditions can be everything from family gift exchanges to reading a holiday book every night leading up to Christmas. These traditions are typically passed down from generation to generation. But traditions don’t have to stop once the holidays are over. If you are planning a trip here soon, you should consider starting your own travel traditions.

Travel traditions come in many shapes and sizes. I know people who travel to different international destinations every year to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Maybe you have a favorite vacation home exchange you want to visit annually with the entire family. There are many fun ways to begin travel traditions. To help you brainstorm, here is a look at some of my own personal travel traditions.

Book an international vacation every other year. My husband and I love to travel. On even years, we will travel abroad. We’ve been to Mexico, Europe, and South America. Once we return from our trip, we begin saving and planning our next trip. Next year, we are eyeing either Spain or Japan. Click on the links to view International Vacation Home Exchange properties in both countries.

Celebrate Mothers Day (or any holiday or occasion) with a road trip. I am a new mom so this is a new travel tradition for us. Every Mothers Day weekend, we will take a road trip somewhere as a family. Earlier this year, we spent the weekend in St. George, Utah. Some of you may travel to grandma’s house for Thanksgiving as your travel tradition. Make the holidays, or special occasions, excuses to travel. (For tips on surviving that trip to your grandmother’s house during the holiday season, check out this IVHE post).

Keep a travel journal. How you opt to document your travels is strictly up to you. Me? I prefer photos as opposed to words for my journal. Pictures, after all, are worth a 1,000 words. This is a great tradition that you can share with friends and family. Technology also makes it easy for you to save your journal digitally.

Purchase keepsakes from your vacation. I have a collection of picture frames from all of my travels. My mom purchases bells from all the places she visits. Maybe you bring back a rock or some sand. Or you buy a postcard from every city you visit. Whatever it may be, begin a travel tradition to collect keepsakes from your travels.

The great thing about traditions is you can always begin new ones whenever and wherever you want. Whatever that tradition may be, make sure it is special and unique to you.

What are some of your favorite travel traditions? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Thanks to travel writer Carla Pruitt. You can follow Carla on Twitter @crobscarla

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Travel is Best with Home Exchange

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Sunsets and sunrises are inspirational for travelers like you.  

You want to hold hands with someone special as the dawn breaks or dance on the beach under a romantic moonlight. You can make these dreams come true by planning a simple or well laid out vacation. One of the most important factors of being away the comforts of your own abode is finding a place to stay in your vacation destination.

Home exchanging can be a worry free part of your travel itinerary. Imagine this; you get to stay at a comfy place for free. Sometimes you even get to have car for even more convenience. The perks of home swapping are almost endless to say the least.  It is in fact an economical and practical way to your holiday. Another great thing about Home swapping is that you have built trust with the other home owner who is also going to stay in your home. With trust comes happiness and happiness means a good memory.

Traveling with a home exchange program can sound daunting for some but generally it is a worry free concept that has been around for decades. Besides saving money as an obvious advantage, you can have the freedom to do what you want on your vacation. You can cook meals, watch movies, use your private pool (depends on the home) without other people bothering you. Moreover, with home exchange, you can have the option to choose a home wherever you want to be in the world. For example, you want to experience the wonderful sunny atmosphere of Santorini, Greece; you can find a home there that will suit every travel bug’s need. Or you may want to almost touch the moon on a mountain top home with a special travel buddy, enjoying endless views in every direction.  

Traveling can truly be best with home exchange. It not only offers convenience and practicality but also memories that last forever. It is a smart holiday alternative that can leave you wanting to travel more. From Europe to Asia, there are people who will gladly exchange their homes with yours, all ready to give you the relaxation and experiences you deserve. 

Thank you to our guest blogger: Jacque T

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Mexico home exchange

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THE DAY OF THE DEAD:
A Lively Time for an IVHE home exchange
Holiday in Mexico

Photo source: flickr, Kevin

On the heels of Halloween, November 1 and 2, Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), a tradition that originated with the indigenous people in Pre-Colombian times and later adapted to the Christian All Saint’s Day.  The frivolity of  Halloween is still there but with the added dimension of reverence for the dead. On Dia de los Muertos, the return of their spirits is welcomed. It is believed that a veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is the thinnest on Muerto nights. Death as something spooky or an event to be feared is mocked with decorations depicting playful skeletons in all walks of life (er, former life that is) -- young and old, cowboys and office clerks, mothers and babies, dancers and musicians, you name it. Skull themes are everywhere. Even skull shaped candy for the kids. 
The festivities include colorful street parades with brass bands, mariachis and fireworks. Some towns stage comparsas, theatrical performances representing the return of the dead. The whole thing is a party to die for.

Photo source: flickr, Alex Pearson

While there is a lot going on during Muertos, the main stage is the local cemetery. Families erect elaborate memorial altars at the graves of their dearly departed, filling it with flowers, candles, decorations, and the deceased’s favorite food and drink. They cheerfully gather at the altars with candlelight vigils, mariachi music, shared bottles of tequila and picnics on the cemetery grounds.

Halloween and Dia de los Muertos are ideal times to visit Mexico. It is off season. Tourist traffic is down, the weather is mild, and you will be catching Mexico’s biggest fiesta of the year. It is also a great time to consider visiting inland cities. Non-coastal Mexico will amaze you. 
The International Vacation Home Exchange offers properties in two inland locations – the beautiful colonial cities of San Miguel de Allende in east/central Mexico and Oaxaca in southern Mexico.

Photo source: flickr, Andrew Gould

Oaxaca offers a treasure of historic colonial-era buildings and monuments, as well as native Zapotec and Mixtec cultures and archeological sites. A city of some 270,000, Oaxaca is filled with fantastic museums, colorful handicrafts, beautiful baroque churches, inexpensive markets and elegant five-star restaurants.

Monte Alban, a world Heritage Site six miles west of Qaxaca, is not to be missed. This is one of the earliest cities of Mesoamerica and was the socio-political and economic center of the Zapotec empire for almost a thousand years

Property #0444 --
Cozy three-bedroom house
Your home in Oaxaca is a charming country house in a quiet wooded setting, yet it is only 15 minutes from the city’s main plaza. It has three bedrooms that can comfortably sleep five, a big kitchen, spacious living room, plus two terraces and a large garden.

San Miguel de Allende is another stunning colonial city with well preserved neoclassical and baroque style buildings.  These enchanting structures from the 17th and 18th Centuries are studies in color, texture and design.  No wonder an artists’ colony took root here in the late 30’s. Two world-class art schools were later

Photo source: flickr, Jluguang Want

established by foreign artists --  Instituto Allende and the Escuela de Bellas Artes. Artists and writers from Mexico and the world, as well as tourists and retirees, are still drawn to the city.

There are some 140,000 residents in the metro area. The actual town of San Miguel counts about 80,000. Of these, 10-15 % is ex-pat retirees, mostly from the United States.

Property #0418:
two bedroom home near the central plaza
This lovely hideaway is located just a few short blocks from the central plaza, "the Jardin," and within walking minutes from the Warren Hardy Language School, the San Juan de Dios Public Market, the Belles Artes, Angela Peralta Theater, the Instituto and Parke Juarez. 
It has an outdoor living room (sala) by the garden, and an inside living room with a 13-foot ceiling and walls of bookcases. The master bedroom on the second floor has a luxurious en-suite bathroom with a dressing room and lots of closet space. The home is architect-designed and furnished with an eclectic selection from some of San Miguel's leading interior designers. It is equipped with high-speed internet, cable television, and all the modern amenities you expect, yet it continues to radiate the warmth and charm of Colonial Mexico

Property #0462 –
Four-bedroom luxury home exchange
This four-bedroom, four-bath home is open and airy with unobstructed views of the city, a lake and the Sierra Madre Mountains. Each room has its own carved cantera fireplace and a full bath. A fully-equipped kitchen and spacious living room are on the first level, as well as an outdoor sala and barbeque grill. The master bedroom and bath and a second bedroom with a trundle bed are on this level. On the second level, you can walk out from either of two large bedrooms onto a terrace where you will find a secret garden and a stairway leading to the third level. There is a relaxing sitting area and a thriving herb garden on the third-level terrace.

A housekeeper is available three times a week or more if desired. A cook can also be arranged and payment made directly to him. A 2007 car is also available for your use with no extra credits required.

Click the property #’s above to find out more about these casa exchanges in Mexico. To find out more about the International Vacation Home Exchange that brings these, and hundred of other properties around the world, to you, visit www.ivhe.com.

Blogsmith:  Mike DiPrima

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Was that Home Exchange or House Swap?

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You say Vacation, I say Holiday.

Summer vacations are here, why not have a bit of fun in your travels and live like a local? 

We all have out ways of saying things, the following is a bit of fun on ‘speaking the same language for vacations and Holiday. 

Ring … Ring …  Ring…

Cecil:  Hello.

           

Jeb:      Hello there. I read your message about doing a home exchange – my log cabin in the mountains of Georgia for your place in Hampstead – is that right?

Cecil:    Correct, sir.  I saw your listing on the IVHE.com (International Vacation Home Exchange) web site and the exchange coordinator arranged for us to communicate.  

Jeb:      Great, we’ve wanted to do a direct vacation swap someplace where they speak English.  Do you mind if I ask you a few questions first?

Cecil:    Not at all. And I’ll have a few for you.

Jeb:      Okay, you say your place is a flat in Hampstead – a flat what?

Cecil:    A guess you would call it an apartment.

Jeb:      Oh, a flat apartment?  No stairs?

Cecil:    It’s a split level.

Jeb:      So, it’s not flat?  Kinda step-uppy?

Cecil:    I suppose. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?

Jeb:      Let ‘er rip.

Cecil:    You say its two and a half bath?  Sorry, but what is a “half bath”?

Jeb:      The third bathroom doesn’t have a bath.

Cecil:    So, it’s a lavatory without a tub or a shower?

Jeb:      Yeah, that, but there is a sink and a commode.

Cecil:    Right. Indoors, I presume?

Jeb:      You betcha.  We upgraded last fall.

Cecil:  Did someone fall in your lavatory?  Oh, dear.

Jeb:      No, we put in indoor plumbing when the leaves started to turn.

Cecil:  Oh, I see.  Last autumn.

Jeb:      Yep. Say, do you have one of those spray things next to the toilet?

Cecil:    If you mean a bidet, yes we do, in the master bedroom ensuite.

Jeb:      Ellie May, my cousin Buella’s girl, warned us about them. She got turbo charged in all the wrong places when she used one at a fancy hotel in Vegas.

Cecil:    It is quite safe, sir. We’ll leave a diagram and instructions on how to use it.

Jeb:      Great. So, okay, your not-so-flat apartment is located on High Street? How high is it?

Cecil:    That would be the main street in town, and it’s not high at all.       

Jeb:      Then why do you call it … never mind. 

Cecil:    Shall we talk about your kitchen?

Jeb:      Okee dokee.

Cecil:    What kind of cooker do you have?

Jeb:      My old lady most of the time, but she doesn’t come with the house.

Cecil:    I mean the appliance – gas?  Electric?  Wood burning?

Jeb:      Yes.

Cecil:    And in the bedroom, do you have a wardrobe?

Jeb:      I do. Mostly denim pants and flannel shirts. Why?

Cecil:  Your underwear is denim?  Never mind, where do you keep your, er, wardrobe?

Jeb:      In a chifferobe, big ol’ cedar one. Makes your pants smell real good.

Cecil:  I’m sure.

Jeb:      Okay, my turn.  Are you close to a subway?

Cecil:    Yes, actually.  You can catch one right across the street.

Jeb:      Great.  I love their sandwiches.

Cecil:    I mean there is a tube station across the street. You won’t need a car to get around.

Jeb:      Wouldn’t want one.  You guys still drive on the left, huh?

Cecil:    You’re right.  You wouldn’t want one. Does your car have a spare tyre under your bonnet just in case?

Jeb:      No, my spare tire is over my belt buckle.   My old lady wears a bonnet when she works in the garden, but there’s nothing under it … wait a minute, did I say that?

Cecil:    Oh, lovely. You have a garden?

Jeb:      Sure do.  We grow eggplant, zucchini, and rutabagas.

Cecil:    Are those flowers? They sound exotic.

Jeb:      Ha, ha. You’re funny.

Cecil:    We’re looking for a quiet country retreat where we can watch the sun go down over woodlands and be awakened by the cock’s crow.

Jeb:      Will roosters do?

Cecil:    Quite. And what are you really looking for?

Jeb:      A few days in a big foreign city. We want to do and see things we can’t do or see at home.

Cecil:    You’ll find endless possibilities here.

Jeb:                 So, what do you think? Your not-so-flat flat sounds good to me.  Does our little country cabin work for you?

Cecil:    Yes, I think so.  I’ll confirm the exchange on IVHE (www.ivhe.com), this sounds like fun. 

Jeb:      Sounds good. You sure do talk funny, but I like you.

Ready to experience something new and save thousands of dollars, euros, pounds or yen in the process, try home exchange and travel the world.  InternationalVacation Home Exchange (IVHE.com) members save an average of $2,650 for every 7 nights of vacations. 

New to the concept of home exchange or house swap, visit www.ivhe.com and download a free Home Exchange Guide to learn many hints and tips.  

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Home exchange to do list

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Did I turn off the coffee maker?

Photo source: flickr, Dar'ya Sipyeykina

Your long-awaited vacation time is drawing closer. You’ve booked your International Vacation Home Exchange property and personally chatted with the owner about the home and the best ways to enjoy the destination. You’ve outlined your itinerary for each day, made reservations at restaurants, ordered tickets for shows and performances, and booked escorted tours. Everything is planned to make the most of your time, and you absolutely, positively cannot wait to get there. Before you rush out the door, check your going-away to-do list one last time.

If you are venturing out on a credits trade – a non-simultaneous exchange – then your home will be left unattended. There are, of course, a myriad of things to tend to before you lock the door behind you. Checklists are helpful, but your own situation and how long you will be away should dictate what to put on it; nevertheless, here are a few key words and phrases as reminders:

• Mail
• Voice mail
• Bill payments
• Indoor plants
• Garbage/rubbish
• Lawn maintenance
• Pool maintenance
• Doors, windows and locks
• Alarm company
• Car care (if leaving it home)
• Pet sitter
• Air conditioner setting
• Lighting timers
• Cut off gas stove and shut off water lines
• Unplug computer and any appliance subject to power-surge damage
• Clean out the fridge and dry perishables bin
• Wash dishes and coffee pot
• Give a set of keys to someone who will be checking on your house – this person should also be given a copy of your basic travel plans and itinerary, and the land-line telephone number at your IVHE home in case of emergency.

If you are doing a direct swap – a simultaneous exchange – then your home will be occupied by a guest who will be your host in his/her home. Obviously, you will need to coordinate the time and place for key-exchanges and property orientation. If you cannot be there, then a property manager, caretaker, friend or relative should be appointed to handle the meet-and-greet and walk-through orientation. This should include a briefing on anything in the home that needs operating instructions. Don’t assume that everyone knows how to operate your TV remote.

Planning for emergencies and your guests’ safety and convenience should be as detailed as your travel and activities planning.

Emergency Contacts and Procedures

Most hosts leave emergency information in an easily accessible loose-leaf or three-ring binder. It should contain names and numbers of who to contact and procedures to follow in case of an emergency. Whoever conducts your guest orientation should point this out and review certain items with your guest.

• Fire, police or ambulance (911 emergency number in the US)
• Poison Control
• Nearest Hospital
• Nearest drug store/chemist/pharmacy
• Nearest shop for eyeglass replacement
• Utility company emergency numbers
• Locations of fire extinguishers, fire escapes, water shut-off valves, fuse box or circuit-breakers.
• How to reach you if necessary – telephone numbers, contacts. Leave a copy of your itinerary. Alternatively, the numbers for property managers, caretakers, friends or relatives who can help if needed.
• Nearby veterinarians and animal hospitals for guests bringing pets

Helpful Information

Any helpful information you can provide your guest will be appreciated. If you were the guest, what would you add to this list?

• Public transportation routes, stops and fares.
• Taxi cab or car-service telephone numbers or web addresses
• Local tourist guides, directories and web-site addresses for tourist information
• Your recommendations for restaurants, cafes, bars and nightspots
• Operating instructions for TV remotes, home-entertainment devices, office equipment, kitchen equipment, gas grills, air conditioning thermostats, or anything in the home that requires more than flipping the on/off switch. 

Check lists and to-do lists are all about peace of mind and giving yourself or a fellow IVHE guest a wonderful, safe vacation experience. Of course there are other travel check lists regarding your personal health, travel and financial documents, insurance, passports, credit cards, travelers checks, etc., but that’s a whole ‘nuther blog.

If you are not a member of the International Vacation Home Exchange and would like to find out more about it, visit us at www.ivhe.com .

Blogsmith: Mike DiPrima

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Home Exchange for the Wild Side

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Where The Wild Things Are

There are five lodges in the Marloth Kruger group. They vary by size depending on the number of guests that can be accommodated.is a little deeper into the surrounding bush and delightfully closer to Mother Nature than the others lodges. You can sit out on a spacious veranda and enjoy it while dining or watching the sun go down. Cookouts are especially fun. You have a barbecue boma furnished with comfortable outdoor furniture. For indoor dining, the kitchen is fully-equipped and the dining table seats six.nuggled next to the Kruger National Park like a lion cub to its mother, Marloth Park is a private wildlife reserve in Mpumalanga, South Africa, offering practically the same viewing of African animals as Kruger but from a cozy, comfortable vantage point. The Marloth Kruger Lodges here are roofed with traditional thatch, fully-equipped with all the comforts of home, and all are vacation home exchange accommodations. on-predatory animals roam the Lodge grounds in a beautiful, tranquil setting. While you’re having breakfast on your veranda, a zebra or a curious monkey may pop up to bid you “good morning.” At Marloth Park, you don't have to go looking for the animals, they will come to you For a look at some wilder wildlife, take a five minute drive to the Kruger Park lookout and see hippo, rhino, elephant, water bucks, buffalo, giraffe and other animals. For a more up front and personal encounter, plan an unforgettable excursion or safari inside the park. The entrance at Crocodile Bridge Gate is just 16 kms away.

The two bedrooms are spacious and cozy. Each has its own en-suite bathroom. The queen-size beds are draped by canopied muslin mosquito nets for a feel of luxury and intimacy. The lodge has ceiling fans and air conditioning for just the right temps. A DVD player and television are there in case you need an electronics fix.

Property # 0844: Giraffe Lodge – Sleeps five

GiraffeLodge home swap is decorated in African Bush motifs with touches of Modern to make for a warm, welcoming feel. Each of the two bedrooms has a separate shower and bath. Mosquito nets hang over every bed, ready to drop into a romantic canopy at night. The living/dining area is open and airy. You have a barbeque boma and fire pit as well as a modern kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, and all the cooking utensils and tableware you need. There is a separate children’s boma and a large garden in front of the lodges.

Property # 0848: Kudu Lodge – Sleeps six

Kudo Lodge house for exchange is named after the most handsome of African antelopes. Its African-Colonial style décor and furnishings reflect the graceful character of its namesake. A spacious veranda and wooden deck, ideal for al-fresco dining, includes a splash pool for a refreshing dip after a day of game watching. For cookouts, you have a thatched braai and fire pit. This lodge shares the surrounding forest with an enormous variety of birds. Occasionally, from out of the forest shade, a zebra, warthog or buck may emerge and drop by for a visit.

Bush Pig Lodge swap is anything but piggish. Comfortably furnished, smartly decorated, fully equipped, this lodge is perfect for roughing it in the bush. There is a separate boma for children and a big communal garden in the front. The two bathrooms have separate 

 showers and baths. Mosquito nets hang over each bed, ready for draping at bedtime. The lodge is cooled with air conditioning and ceiling fans. You can prepare your favorite meals in a ready-when-you-are kitchen, or do the South African cookout at the braai (barbeque) boma and fire pit; a glass of good South African wine to top it off – heaven in the bush. 

Property # 0840: Bush Pig Lodge – Sleeps seven

Property # 0847: Big Five Lodge – Sleeps 10 

Big 5 Lodge is a three-storied affair designed for comfortable, spacious outdoor living. The first floor houses a kitchen and dining area that opens onto a large verandah. The air-conditioned living area and TV lounge upstairs opens onto a deck with a view of Kruger Park. The third level is a viewing deck where you get a bird’s eye view of the Park. Lions and elephants have been sighted from here. Big 5 Lodge has four bedrooms, an en-suite bathroom, and two additional bathrooms with shower, bath, toilet and washbasin.

In the evening, when the African sky sparkles with countless stars, you can relax on the veranda, the viewing decks, or at the barbecue grill (braai) and safely listen to lions roaring in the distance. Adventure in style. 

For more information, and additional photos, on any of the Marloth Kruger Lodges, click the property # under the picture

The International Vacation Home Exchange offers a variety of properties in South Africa – luxury homes on the amazing coast, in the sophisticated wine country and in dynamic cities. Visit www.ivhe.com and do a property search under South Africa. While you’re on site, check out WHO WE ARE and HOW IT WORKS for more information about our unique vacation-home-exchange system.

HAKUNA MATATA.

Blogsmith:  Mike DiPrima

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Exploring Alaska Home Exchange

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COME EXPLORE ALASKA

WITH THE INTERNATIONAL VACATION HOME EXCHANGE



Photo: flickr, Chris Lott

Alaska – the last frontier, the land of the midnight sun, a vacation destination unlike no other.  IVHE offers a variety of luxuryhome exchanges and ways to experience the wonders of Alaska from Ketchikan to Anchorage. .

IVHE offers some amazing accommodations in Ketchikan, the Alaskan city closest to the Lower 48. This friendly town of 15,000 sits on one of the larger islands in the Inside Passage archipelago of 1,100 islands. Most of the islands are part of a huge national forest that contains The Misty Fjords National Monument, a wilderness area so remote that most visitors see it from cruise ships, private boats, or kayaks… which brings us to our first accommodation – a yacht you can think of as your private floating lodge, one that will take you through the Misty Fjords wilderness areas in comfort and style.  Our next property is a lodge, indeed, stationery on the waterfront of Ketchikan. It’s the Black Bear Inn with IVHE accommodations available three different ways: as a bed and breakfast, as a luxury apartment, or as a romantic bunkhouse cabin.

 Moving inland to Fairbanks, the IVHE property here is a modern house in the woods. These woods are not to be confused with the pristine wilderness of the Danali National Park and Preserve, two hours away.  Danali is the largest national park in the U.S. –more than six million acres. Its centerpiece is the highest mountain in North America, Mount McKinley, with an elevation of 20,237 feet (6,168 m).  

Finally, Anchorage, the state’s largest city, enters the IVHE picture by way of Girdwood Alaska and a mountainside condo at the Alyeska Ski Resort,  about 27 miles from the big city.  The Alyeska Resort is the largest ski area in the state, with the majority of the runs made to challenge intermediate and advanced skiers. The highest point on Mount Alyeska  accessible by chair lift is 2,750 feet (840 m). Apres ski in Anchorage means fine dining,  theater and an excellent music scene.

Vacation Home Exchange Property #0177:  Ketchikan 

A 40-ft. motoryacht cruising Misty Fiords National Monument for five days.

You will move from spectacular place to spectacular place aboard your own private floating lodge. Fish for salmon or halibut in salt water, or go freshwater fly and spin fishing for salmon and trout (all tackle is included); look for orcas, sea lions, and porpoises in the water; eagles in the air; and bears and mountain goats on the land. Go ashore at beautiful landings and hike and explore with an experienced Guide. All meals are provided.  At night, your captain anchors the boat in a secluded cove where you’ll bunk down in cozy comfort. This could be the vacation of a lifetime.

Vacation Home Exchange Property #0761 -- Ketchikan

Luxurious Bed and Breakfast

at the Black Bear Inn

All rooms in this elegant B&B have stunning views of the Tongass Narrows, a channel of Alaska’s Inside Passage waterway used by recreational and commercial vessels  from Kayaks to freight barges. Each room has a private bath, unique furnishings, and nice amenities. Wireless internet is available. A self-serve Continental Plus breakfast and snacks are included.  Waterfront restaurants are a five-minute walk away.  More eateries, cafes, and bars are four miles away in downtown Ketchikan, as are many shopping opportunities and cultural attractions. The Inn is ideal for short stays when going to or returning from other Alaska adventures.  Or, it can be a destination in itself with plenty to do in the area.  Arrival and departure transportation is provided.

Vacation Home Exchange Property #0763 – Ketchikan 

The Eagles Nest 1-bedroom

apartment on the top floor of the Black Bear Inn

 Not only does this private luxury suite have spectacular views of the mountains, ocean and sunsets, but you can also look out your window and see Bald Eagles perching in the spruce trees nearby – thus the name. The Eagles Nest has its own private entrance and covered porch at the front of the Inn. The suite features the artwork of Fred Machetanz, Sidney Laurence and Nathalie Parenteau. The kitchen, bathroom, laundry room and the front foyer are adorned with decorative Italian porcelain and travertine. For a location usually associated with “roughing it,” this suite has delightfully unexpected class and style.

Vacation Home Exchange Property # 0762 – Ketchikan

A romantic 2-bedroom bunkhouse cabin next to the Black Bear Inn

 

The Bunkhouse is a very private cabin that sits beside the main house.  An open sun deck, with a relaxing hot tub, runs across the front of the cabin with an awesome view of the Inside Passage. There are large picture windows inside, also with views of the water. The walls of the cabin are finished in white-washed red cedar. The floors are porcelain, slate, and travertine. A walk-in shower in the bathroom is also done in travertine.  There is a small kitchenette, fully equipped, for whipping up a quick meal. You would never know that this cabin is over 73 years old and was once part of a fish cannery camp. It was modernized and opened to guests in 2007.

Vacation Home ExchangeProperty # 0455: Fairbanks

Modern 3-bedroom home in the woods
close to town; 2 hours to Danali Park

This may be the only vacation home in the world where you can look out the window and see a mother moose and her calf strolling by.  The house is modern and has all the conveniences you need, but it sits in the middle of a  birch forest --  secluded, quiet and private. Not bad for a suburb of Fairbanks, the state’s second largest city. The shopping, dining, art galleries, and shows of Fairbanks are just three miles away. But when you get ready for something really wild,  take a scenic two-hour drive to Danali National Park and Preserve and Mount McKinley. Your host offers a 1998 Subaru Forester for just two extra credits. No need to rent a car to explore Fairbanks or the Danali. If you would rather have a narrated tour and leave the driving to someone else, several excellent tours are available

Vacation Home Exchange Property # 0538 – Alyeska Ski Resort near Anchorage

2-bedroom mountainside condo; ski in and ski out.

 

This cozy 1000 square-foot condo is in a friendly 4-unit complex close to resort amenities.  The closest chairlift is a two-minute ski from the condo. A year ‘round tram that can take you 2300 feet vertical in seven minutes is in easy walking distance, as is the town of Girdwood.   You have amazing views of the resort and several hanging glaciers in the Girdwood Valley from your living room and master bedroom.  A summer visit is worth considering as well.  The landscape is green instead of white. Cross country ski trails become simple hiking trails lined with wild flowers, and the fine restaurants, museums, theaters and nightlife of Anchorage beckons even stronger.

 For more information on any of these Alaska home exchanges, click the property # above.  If you are not a member of the International Vacation Home Exchange and would like to learn more, visit www.ivhe.com  to see who we are and how our system of credits-based exchanges can work for you and your vacation property.

Blogsmith:  Mike DiPrima

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